Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-12-24
A BIG STRIKE on THE READING.
Over One thousand Men Stop Work
about the Pert Richmond WhArves.


Over 1000 men employed BY the Reading Rail-
road Company on their lines running from West
Falls to the Port Richmond coal wharves either as
train men, coal handlers or freight handlers quit
work yesterday afternoon at half-past L. This
action was caused by the Introduction of train
crew OF five non-union men to do the work upon
which the union men had been employed, but
who had been discharged. This movement win be
communicated to all the employees OF the road,
and general strike upon ali the lines Of the
company may be- the ressultc The trouble origin
freight handlers engaged in shifting cars
loaded with -four into pier controlled by the
deliver any more freight to the frm unless the
non-un1on labOrers employed in handling the
freight should be discharged. Word was immedi-
agent and shipping clerk at the Port Richmond
wharves, who telegraphed the news OF the refusal
TO sae e na Officers Of the Tpon the
issued an order dScharging the crew who had re-
fused TO handle the freight, and threatening the
the precedent. All the remaining force, which
consisted OF four crews refusing to obey the order
Were discharged, and the engines were taken to
the round-house and the men left the yard The
news or the discharge quickly spread among other
employees OF the company In Port Richmond and
the stevedOres, to the number OF about 600 men,
LETT the yard. A committee OF knights OF Labor
Assemblies Nos. 1872 and 62S5, TO which the
strikers belonged, called upon General Manager
Mcleod and superintendent Sweigar1 with the
purpose OF preventing general strike. The object
was unsuccessful, as the Officers would not listen
TO any excuses.
The situation was unchanged yesterday The
company was determined TO operate their lines,
however, and made preparations TO secure crews
until about O'Clock. Trouble with the strikers
had been anticipated however, and the company
requested Director stokeiy to furnish police pro-
lection. Accordingly men were massed at the
point Of trouble Engine No. 2SS, manned by the
obnoxious crew, arrived at the scene OF trouble at
the bOycotted freight. The news or the renewal
OF work was quickly communicated among the
other men at work and concerted action OF quit
ting was speedily agreed upon.
An hour was given to allow the employees on the
road from West Falls to the river TO learn of the
determination, and at 4:3O, when the signal was
given, every man stopped work. Shifting engines
that were working on the coal wharves quickly
ran 10 their usual resting place, until the whole
crews Immediately drew the fires and blew out the
boilers Men that were wheeling coal dropped
their barrow handles, switchmen closed their
switches and lett the main line open conductors
brdkemen and other employees left their work and
quickly went to their homes.
one OF the leaders sand this afternoon: 'sThe
whole trouble grew out OF the fact that Chas. NJ
Tay lors Sons were employing non-union men to
handle their freight and paying them low wages
regular pay, which is about 81 a week more than
they are now paying, but they have steadily and
nrlhiy refused To grant our request, and refusal
10 handle their cars was our only defense"
Counsel Tor COKE Bros. Co. to-day asked Judi
cial Interference in the coal miners strike In "A
petition 10 Judge Butler in the United States
court. The men at EilzabeJhport had refused 70
load Coke Bros. boats because the firm were
Leh1gh Valley operators. Judge Butler declined
TO Interfere
The miners at Riley Il Co. 8 Logan cOlliery. at
Ashland, Pa, struck yesterday, THROWING over 800
Inen and boys out OF employment. The miners In
No. . Slope struck a few days ago because They
were compelled TO Top their wagons. A committee
OF the knights OF Labor held conference with the
superintendent yesterday, and the result being
ll,t = ne al y
Cured. IL Is fearel that the miners at Centraiia
collery Will also turn on Tor the same cause.